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Period: 400 to 1100
**OLD ENGLISH**
When Germanic tribes invaded Britian during the 5th Century, they spoke similar languages that later developed into what is now known as Old English. -
450
**Anglo-Saxon Settlement of Britain**
Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain begins around 450 and by 600 Anglo-Saxon language covers most of England. -
597
**Arrival of St Augustine**
In 597 St. Augustine arrives to Britain and the Christian conversion of the Anglo-Saxon's begins. -
800
**Beowulf's Writing**
Beowulf's writing is a heroic poem that is considered the best writing from the Old English period. The first line of the poem doesn't look like any words in Modern English today: "Hwæt. We Gardena in geardagum," -
1066
**The Norman Invasion**
In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England. The Norman's became the ruling class. -
Period: 1100 to 1500
**MIDDLE ENGLISH**
In 1066 the Duke of Normandy invaded Britain. Because the Normans were from France, the ruling class spoke French while the working class still spoke English. In the 14th Century English became the primary language used in Britain but now included many French words. -
1362
**English Parliament**
English is used in the English Parliament for the first time. -
1384
**Bible Translated to English**
John Wycliffe publishes his English translation of The Bible. -
1385
**English taught in Schools**
In 1385 English replaces the Latin language in schools except for a few Universities. -
1400
**Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales"**
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer. The collection is thought to be the greatest contribution to English Literature because it made English a popular language. This phrase is a line from his prologue and is more recognizable as English today. "His eyen twinkeled in his hed aright..." -
1440
**Invention of the Printing Press**
Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing press around 1440. This was the beginning of the Printing Revolution. -
1497
**North America Discovered**
1n 1497 explorer John Cabot is credited with discovering North America, but the voyages of Christopher Columbus opened exploration in the new world. -
1500
**English Renaissance**
The English Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement in England for over a 100 years. -
Period: 1500 to
**MODERN ENGLISH**
Modern English is divided into sections: Early Modern English and Late Modern English. Early Modern English covered the period from 1500 to 1800. Late Modern English began about 1800 and continues to present day. -
**Shakespeare's First Folio Published**
In 1623 Shakespeare's first collection of plays was published. This didn't happen until 7 years after his death. 18 of these plays had never been published and could have been lost forever because the original manuscripts are long gone. The English is hard to read but is legible compared to Old English. The first line in The Tempest is: "Heere Mafter. What cheere?" -
**English Dictionary**
Samuel Johnson published the "Dictionary of the English Language" which helped formalize the language. -
**American Revolution**
The American Revolution took place from 1765 to 1791. The US fought for their independence from Great Britain. -
**End of Slavery**
America begins the end of slavery after The Civil War. -
**Alfred the Great**
Alfred the Great becomes King of Wessex and prefers the English language. He started the translation of Latin works to English.